Meet Our Professional Education Staff!
Kelly Newell Director Kelly holds a Masters of Higher Education Administration, and began her career with CDPE 13 years ago. She has a unique perspective on program planning having been a coordinator, manager, and administrator. Her experience at CDPE also includes a year as a Program Manager with the Distance Degree Programs, where she learned the art of designing and delivering dynamic online courses. While she still manages a few conferences each year, her primary focus is on program development and online course management. If you are looking to design a brand new course or program, contact Kelly to get started creating an innovative curriculum together. |
Janet York Senior Manager, Puyallup Janet has nearly 34 years of experience in meeting and event planning and program development, and has worked with CDPE since 1985. Janet has managed the nation’s largest sewing industry education and trade show, Sewing and Stitchery Expo, since its inception in 1984. The Sewing and Stitchery Expo regularly draws more than 32,000 attendees. Other conferences Janet is involved with include Partners in Emergency Preparedness, Western Bridge Engineers, and the Northwest Biosolids Management Association. |
Michelle Johnson Program Manager, Puyallup Michelle has worked for CDPE for over seven years, coordinating programs ranging from 25 to 1,200 attendees. She has experience negotiating facility and catering contracts, arranging speaker contracts and travel, scheduling multiple concurrent sessions for multiple-day events, and planning receptions, pre-conference tours, poster sessions and vendor exhibits. Michelle has also handled online programs, registration details, and budget reconciliation. For the past three years, Michelle has served as a board member for the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. |
Linda Kildew Manager of Business and Finance, Pullman Linda has been involved with CDPE for the past 14 years, having been a coordinator, conference manager, and now business manager. Her areas of expertise include obtaining financial support, purchasing and cash-handling procedures, and business management. Her current emphasis is on ensuring the staff follows university rules and regulations while providing the best customer service possible. She frequently works on site at our conferences and is also responsible for supervising our student employees and interns. |
Tamara Kirk Program Coordinator, Pullman Tamara has seven years of experience in meeting planning and program development. In addition to coordinating program logistics, she coordinates the offering of Continuing Education Units for all CDPE programs. Conferences Tamara has been involved with include Inland Northwest Turf, Tree, and Landscape, Western Protective Relay Conference, Hands-On Relay School, and Western Power Delivery Automation. |
Carly Morse Conference Manager, Pullman Before the joining the CDPE, Carly spent six years as a coordinator for WSU's Competitive Sports and Youth Programs where she helped run such events as the Cougar Kids Camp. She's also deeply involved in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. She served as Washington state director from 2008-2010 and helped organize many events, including volleyball and basketball tournaments. Programs Carly has been involved with include International Wood Composites, Green Computing Conference, and the College of Veterinary Medicine Continuing Education series. |
Emily Houg, CMP Program Coordinator, Puyallup Emily has been coordinating conferences and special events for over seven years; in September 2006 she became a member of the CDPE staff. During her career she has had the privilege to help organize the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and travel around the world as a project manager for many hotels. Emily has experience in developing and implementing programs requiring marketing, financial management, negotiation, computer competency, human relations, administrative, and organizational skills. |
Dana Colwell, CMP Program Coordinator, Puyallup Dana has worked in the meeting planning industry since 2003, coordinating events ranging from 10 - 4,000 attendees. Conferences she coordinates include: Harvesting Clean Energy, Partners in Emergency Preparedness, Pacific Northwest Bridge Inspectors, Pacific Northwest Bridge Maintenance, The Northwest Solar Summit, and The Military Kids and Families Summit. She enjoys problem-solving and working with her clients to produce a stress-free event. Dana is also a member of the Washington State Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, where she serves on the board as the Director of Programs and the Director of Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships. |
Ann Sagawa Education Manager, Tacoma Ann has worked with WSU for 13 years as the Education Manager for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo. Her expertise is in the development of educational programs, consulting and in volunteer management. Ann has developed several successful charity event concepts for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo that has benefited several local charities. She has created training curriculum for the Clothing and Textile Advisors as well as created educational programs for 4H with an emphasis on sewing. Ann has a BA in Textiles and a MA in Organizational Management |